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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)

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Capsular Contracture

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Cleveland Clinic -

Cleveland - OH

Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.

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MedHelp Member's Question

Capsular Contracture

by liberty24, Feb 09, 2007 12:00AM

Tags: contracture, breast, reconstruction, Cancer, breast cancer, Breast Reconstruction, pacemaker, walking

What exactly is capsular contracture? Is it a tight feeling all the time or only when moving around? Walking or getting out of bed or going up stairs is when it feels the worst. They feel soft still yet the muscle feels like its cramping. It's been 8 months since the exchange. Will this go away soon? I can't stand it and its driving me nuts because it won't let me forget. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Doctor's Answer

by Cleveland Clinic

, Feb 09, 2007 12:00AM

Dear Liberty24: When something foreign is implanted into the body (implant, pacemaker etc), the body forms a lining around it called a capsule. This is expected and normal. The capsule is expected to shrink somewhat as this is what the body is programmed to do. Capsular contracture occurs when this capsule can shrink more than expected. It tightens and can squeeze the implant. It will feel hard to touch and can distort the breast. It can happen any time but is most common in the first months following surgery. You should see your plastic surgeon to determine if this is what you are feeling and what options there might be to correct it if this is the case.

Member Comments (1)

by knobber, Jun 24, 2008 04:06AM

A related discussion, LOOKING FOR GOOD PLASTIC SURGEON was started.

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